Far from the stereotype of whiz-kid entrepreneurs, new figures suggest that people starting their own businesses are getting older.

Figures refering to the first half of 2014 from 123-reg reveal an increase in domain name applicants from people aged over 50, while younger applicants dropped as a ratio.

There was a 3.6 per cent year-on-year increase in customers aged 51-60, said the UK-based domain registrar, at the same time as a 18 per cent drop in activity by those aged 18-to-25.

In separate survey figures produced last month, 123-reg said the number of people classing themselves as self-employed rose from 39 per cent in 2011 to 55 per cent in 2014.

It chimes with a recent study in the Financial Times revealing record numbers of over-50s starting up in business.

Richard Winslow, brand manager for 123-reg, said: “We have experienced a sharp increase in those looking to set up their own business since the global recession in 2008.

“In our own conversations with our customers we have seen a move away from forced entrepreneurship to individuals actively looking to set up a new business – something which is very healthy for the UK economy.”